Senior Development Program Manager/ Development Program Manager

Overview

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA)*, the private fundraising and alumni relations organization for UW-Madison, is recruiting for  a Development/Senior Development Program Manager to oversee development operations for Wisconsin Athletics, College of Engineering, Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine development programs.  This leadership position will oversee the strategic operations functions of the group, supervise the development operations team, provide executive support to the Vice President and Managing Group Leader (VP/MGL), including a focus on UW Capital Projects and Naming Recognition, and provide daily development operations support. Responsibilities for this leadership position include high-level administration and organization, people management, strategic planning and execution of high-impact organizational tasks, fostering innovation and collaboration, providing excellence in stewardship and customer service, and more. This role will serve as the administrative lead for the group, a strategic partner to the VP/MGL, and will partner with other development operations leaders in the development division to drive organizational growth. This is a hybrid role that will require you to work in our Madison, WI office location at least two days weekly.

 

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in fostering cohesion and operational synergy across the advancement landscape, which includes a large WFAA team and essential partners within campus departments. Additionally, this role will drive initiatives to enhance team stewardship efforts, ensuring a seamless and effective development program.

 

Please note: We can hire this position as a Development Program Manager or Senior Development Program Manager, depending on the skills/experience of the selected candidate.

Essential Functions

Administrative lead and strategic collaborator

• Work in active partnership with team leadership to plan, implement, manage and evaluate strategies, initiatives, and projects designed to enhance and advance major gift identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship and successfully move projects and relationships to completion.
• Provide executive support to the VP/MGL, including a focus on principal gift prospect strategies and engagement.
• Collaborate with the group’s Managing AVP/SDODs to ensure success for unit priority initiatives.
• Coordinate with WFAA Business Intelligence, Finance, Fund Administration, Legal, Research, Marketing, Communications, and Central Stewardship teams to compile data and other information that better informs strategic planning, donor recognition, and stewardship activities.
• Enhance group communications and coordinate regular team meetings.

 

UW Capital Projects and Naming Recognition Program Management

• In close partnership with the VP/MGL, who serves as WFAA’s leader for UW Capital Projects and Naming Recognition, serve as a primary WFAA liaison with the Office of the Chancellor, Office of the Provost, and Division of Facilities, Planning and Management.
• Strategically manage WFAA’s internal coordination, preparation and follow-up for donor naming recognition requests.
• In active partnership with the VP/MGL, facilitate education and understanding of UW Capital Projects and Naming Recognition guidelines and policies with colleagues and campus partners.
• In active partnership, drive innovation and growth within the UW Capital Projects and Naming Recognition space to enhance donor stewardship and understanding.

 

Management of Development Operations team 

• Supervise, mentor and assess the Development Operations team, currently including:
• Senior Development Program Manager who oversees the College of Engineering’s development operations.
• Development Program Manager who supports the College of Engineering’s development operations.
• Development Program Manager who oversees the Wisconsin Athletics and Schools or Nursing, Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine’s development operations.
• Development Program Specialist who supports the Wisconsin Athletics and Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine’s development operations. 
• Recommend and implement consistent standards of practice and procedure that provide professional and experienced customer service to VIP donors and campus partners
• Consult with DoDs and campus partners to offer strategic guidance for VIP donor engagement and stewardship initiatives.
• Stewardship management and oversight
• Work in active partnership with the Development Operations and Central Stewardship teams to enhance the group’s stewardship efforts. Collaborate with various stakeholde